The Service is responsible for the management of admissions policy and procedures for undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, and alternative routes and programmes (for example visiting students, ERASMUS, Continuing Professional Development).

Location

Sheffield, UK

About the placement

Why did you decide to do a placement?

I decided to apply for this placement as I'm interested in creating more accessibility around education. The role is primarily advertising the Sheffield Postgraduate Scholarship, for undergraduate students who achieved a first in their degree or meet the widening participation criteria. The University is the only institution to offer a scholarship of this kind, so I felt the role matched my interests. I was also keen to advance my skills in marketing, which is involved in this placement.

How did you find your placement?

Career Connect

Application process

After seeing the role advertised on Career Connect, I sent across my CV and cover letter as an application for the placement. I received an acknowledgement email and I was invited for an interview the following week. In the interview, I was asked about my suitability to the role, previous work experience and extra-curricular activities.

Main responsibilities

I had a variety of responsibilities whilst on placement. The main tasks I undertook were writing and sending out questionnaires to scholars, creating a database of information, coordinating a promotional photo shoot, setting up the Postgraduate Scholarship Blog and creating a brief for a promotional video.

Typical day

On a typical day, I would initially check the inbox to see if I had received any emails from the scholarship awardees. After that I would begin whatever task had been set out for that day, which differed from week to week. I would keep in contact with my supervisor throughout the day, who would alert me to any tasks that would arise.

What did I enjoy about my placement?

I enjoyed being given the responsibility of managing my own tasks in the office. On previous work placements I have felt as though I was constantly asking for tasks, but in the Admissions Service I was treated as an equal and part of the team. Having the opportunity to organise the photo shoot was very rewarding, as was seeing the pictures being used by the university on social media.

Challenging aspects

I'm completing a taught postgraduate course which, during term-time, has a high number of contact hours. It was often difficult to find a regular time slot for me to come into the office for my placement.

Did you use any skills learned from your course?

I was able to advance my creativity skills on placement, as I was constantly thinking of ideas on how to advertise the scholarship. I also used software like Photoshop, which was useful as this is something I regularly use on my course.

Has your time on placement influenced your future career choice?

Yes.

Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

To any students thinking of applying for a On CampUS placement, I would suggest they research the team and role before applying. This can help when writing your cover letter and shows initiative in an interview. Good luck!